Hard-Hit Westport Helps Even Worse-Off New Jersey And Staten Island

Posted on November 3, 2012 | 12 Comments

Last night, longtime Westporter Tom Hofstetter got to thinking.

He’d received an “all hands” notice from his yacht club, asking for people to clean up after Hurricane Sandy.

He was happy to pitch in. Gut he and his family figured there might be an even more meaningful way to contribute to relief efforts.

Looking out their Bridge Street window — at the corner of Imperial Avenue — they had an “aha!” moment.

They rented a truck for a week. Every day, they’ll collect supplies.

Every night, they’ll take them to relief shelters in New Jersey and Staten Island.

Tom Hofstetter and his big, hopefully supplies-filled truck.. (Photo by Heidi McGee)

Supplies can be dropped off every time — at the corner of Bridge Street and Imperial  Avenue —  from 9 a.m. to 8:59 p.m. At 9 sharp, the truck leaves. The 1st run is tonight.

Tom said that anything helps, but there were special requests for large black garbage bags and heavy work gloves. Other items needed:

  • Blankets
  • Baby items: diapers, wipes, etc.
  • Flashlights
  • C and D batteries
  • Water
  • Canned food
  • Socks
  • Towels
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Pet food

Westport’s in pretty bad shape. Other areas are even worse.

They don’t have much. But at least they — and we — have Tom Hofstetter.

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12 responses to “Hard-Hit Westport Helps Even Worse-Off New Jersey And Staten Island”

  1. Yummygal | November 3, 2012 at 5:29 pm |

    Thank You!! Thank you!! Thank You!!!

    Love -Jersey Gal!

  2. Cindy | November 3, 2012 at 5:50 pm |

    Thank you! Will Tom be collecting coats and sweatshirts as well?

  3. Happy to help | November 3, 2012 at 6:01 pm |

    Just dropped off a lot of stuff and the truck is looking great for the first run tonight! Keep it up Westport! BTW Dan most people there dropping off stuff said they read about it on your blog.

  4. Babette d'Yveine | November 3, 2012 at 6:13 pm |

    I am presently without power, and am camping out at my stepdaughter’s condo in Norwalk. It’s inconvenient, but nothing compared to what the people in New Jersey and Staten Island are going through. I think what Tom is doing is great! I wish I could vote for him.

  5. Danielle | November 3, 2012 at 8:56 pm |

    My family lives in Staten Island one block away from zone A it is total devastation … Thank you so much for organizing this!

  6. Rae | November 3, 2012 at 9:12 pm |

    Ill be there tomorrow
    ….

  7. emma birch | November 3, 2012 at 9:32 pm |

    Fantastic – Tom/Dan please let us know how the first delivery goes, am spreading the word and truly hope this could be the beginning of some comfort for these unfortunate people.

  8. Nancy Vener | November 5, 2012 at 3:09 pm |

    These people can no longer take clothing or towels as the warehouses are full. Can we find another place where we can deliver clothing and blankets. Many people were turned away. You’ve been doing a great job keeping us in touch. Thanks. Nancy Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2012 21:00:29 +0000 To: nfvener@hotmail.com

  9. betsy | November 5, 2012 at 7:22 pm |

    when is the next delivery?

  10. Amie | November 7, 2012 at 6:34 pm |

    So important. Thank you for doing the neighborly thing in literally being the vehicle that is helping others by reaching out. Finally seeing support coming from all around – VT & NY who were also affected greatly last year with Irene. Everyone can donate – think about what YOU would need as quickly as possible. Stay warm and safe everyone.